I just bought this game (on 06/23/10) and started playing it. I finished the two of the first three handlers' missions and I'm stumped as to why this game has received such poor reviews. Yes, I ran across two small bugs (that are mentioned in this wiki), but they're completely tolerable considering how well put together the rest of this game is.
What gives? Are most reviewers and gamers graphics whores? Honestly, I don't get it. . .this game is great so far!
Chalk it up to "you can't please all of the people all of the time". Honestly, I see this game going over the heads of people who don't follow U.S. politics/aren't familiar with the military industrial complex/etc. That being said, I don't see the same caliber of reviewer that would give Mass Effect as 9.x/10 caring a great deal for this game. As someone very astutely pointed out to me, this game was so frequently compared to Mass Effect that people were probably expecting Mass Effect (and were therefore disappointed). The game is not flawless, but it is a lot better than most and far better than bum rap it's getting.
I think some reviewers may have been expecting more FPS-like combat system, and possibly a 'bigger' feel to the levels (although the game was never billed as an open-world/free-roam environment). And while there are some flaws, I'm on my fifth playthrough (trophy-hunting). Shadowgm 12:15, June 24, 2010 (UTC)
Thanks for the reply--that's pretty close to what I'd thought, myself. Regarding your playthroughs, does AP allow for a New Game + playthrough? I have a feeling that I'll go through it a bunch of times regardless, but I'm still curious. . .
Prince Rhys: It's a combination of things in my opinion. Some people do try to play it like a shooter, instead of playing it like Deus Ex. There is no denying that it has a lot of issues though (graphical bugs, only three takedown animations, inconsistant AI, etc) and while I love the game, I would never recommend this on the mass to people. Most just won't be able to overlook the issues.
Also, no, there is no new game+, just using Recruit to unlock Veteran.
This is an awesome game in its own right. The only problem is that it advertises itself as a espionage RPG. That kind of gives the wrong idea to people. Consider this...someone who plays the Hitman series, and then plays this game. They'll expect stealth system as good as what Hitman has...and they'll be dissapointed. And then like it's been mentioned there is always the comparison to the ME series. Another flaw some people are mentioning is the shooting mechanics. The FPS fans just can't bear the fact that they can't hit their target with the Assault rifle in the early parts of the game :P :D
Despite all that stuff though, if one plays this game impartially then no one can deny that it's a great game. I just hope that enough copies are sold so that the sequel that was planned, is made.IP no. 59.95.169.10 10:03, June 25, 2010 (UTC)
Also, some reviewers play an incomplete version of the game while other reviewers dislike Obsidian Entertainment as a whole. I tend to read reviews from unpaid reviewers as reviewing is a passion not a job for them. I too hope for a sequel. -BluethunderContact 21:06, June 25, 2010 (UTC)
To be perfectly honest I think we have seen exactly what is wrong with the whole of gaming today. As many have said the premise and gameplay are fantastic. It really has great potential. The reviews I have glanced through often site bugs. But maybe it is down to the fact the reviewers themselves these days are not as impartial as they were years back. Also it seems to me it is yet another symptom of the dumbing down of games.
This game most certainly has glitches and plenty of them. it does feel unfinished and rushed at times. I do wonder if the heads decided to give them little leway on this or the dev team were dragging their feet poorly managing the resources they had. What is clear is that if the work done here on AP were taken and built upon it would be a truly amazing game. Did the heads of the corps want yet another run if the mill shooter and so give little resources for it? Well if they did it will inflate their egos some more and have them stamp their feet declaring they were right. But frankly I rarely buy games these days anymore for the overpriced little pay off we get. This kind ifg thing is another nail in that coffin. Instead of actually pandering and supporting this game to capture its market they will doubtless write it off. It is getting to the point where I am becoming despondant with gaming as a whole and I have done this since the early 80's.
This game certainly has its techincal flaws. And I am actually wondering at present if I am delaing with one now. I part played through first time as a freelancer on normal. And I found a great love of silent takedowns. Now playing as a recruit on easy I can not get the drop on them. Despite I think wearing the same armour. They keep turning around and being aware. I am baffled by this sudden change and wonder if it is a bug. Still a great and under rated game we could do with more of. Not another yawnfest FPS.